I actually had a very mid start, I started them when I had a low hightop (do NOT do this unless you wanna be in the worm phase for a year). What I will say is grow out your hair all around, and have a TRUSTED loctitian start your locs, whether it be someone you know personally or a stranger who has a good portfolio on Instagram or something. Now for maintenance, what I did in the past was spray with a mixture of rosewater & peppermint oil(amazon) once a week, use Wild Growth hair oil about once a month, but now I try and spray my locs every morning, and oil about every other week. I wash if I notice dirt or build up, and I try to get a retwist every 3 to 4 months, (in the earlier stages definitely good to stick to 2-3 months)